Photonics West Industry Program

From technical breakthroughs to strategic leadership, insights for all attendees

Four people sit in chairs on a stage. The person second from left is holding a mic.

Photonics West drives business decisions

Known as the place to get business done, colleagues attend SPIE Photonics West to meet new companies, vendors, and globally recognized suppliers. The presentations on the industry stage — open to all registrants — provides the latest business insights and market updates for the optics and photonics sector.

The program will be announced in October.

Submit your ideas

Share your concept for an industry session and be part of the 2027 industry program.

The portal to submit your ideas will open in May.

Plan to participate in these featured industry programs

Smart warehouse with shelves of boxes and barrels, featuring digital inventory overlays showing stock percentages.

Vision Tech: experiencing expansive growth

The 2027 programming will include multiple stages across several days.

Panelists seated on stage during the 'Quantum West: Executive Insights Panel' at SPIE Photonics West, with a large screen displaying the event title and 'Quantum Stage' signage.

Quantum West Business Summit: experts gather to share

Bring new quantum technologies to market.

A presenter stands on a stage holding a microphone, wearing a dark blazer and light shirt, with a red background and partially visible text that says "Startup Challenge."

Startup Challenge: entrepreneurial ambition

Held annually at Photonics West, this event features high-tech business plans.

In the foreground, three individuals are conversing—one with a backpack and rolled-up poster, another smiling and listening, and a third person holding papers and a bag labeled "SPIE." A vertical sign reading "JOB FAIR" is visible with other attendees in the background.

Job Fair: representatives from hiring companies

Hone your interviewing skills, prepare your resume, and come explore job opportunities.

An overview of industry programming throughout the week

Enjoy abundant opportunities to learn, network, and connect in San Francisco. More than 100 industry sessions will be available.

Opening weekend puts focus on healthcare technologies and the BiOS Expo.
On Sunday, the Career Hub — brought to you by SPIE Membership — will open. This includes professional development opportunities and a Job Fair.
Monday is the SPIE Global Business Forum for executives (seperate registration required).
Don't miss Tuesday's opening of SPIE Photonics West Exhibition, with specialized industry content — Quantum West Business Summit, Vision Tech Stages in Moscone West, and the Startup Challenge, a highlight for entrepreneurial companies.
Wednesday and Thursday continue with strong industry programming on multiple stages with sessions dedicated to vision technologies, quantum applications, policy updates, executive insights, and marketplace learnings. SPIE Prism Awards is the most prestigious honor in our industry, with the ceremony on Wednesday evening.

Make the most of your visit to San Francisco by registering for these co-located events

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Global Business Forum

Learn about data and trends impacting the global photonics industry at this annual event. Information is relevant, useful, and timely, and the connections you develop are important. Make sure you have a seat at the table.
Monday | 1 February 2027

Person in a dark suit speaking at a podium with microphones, with a trophy on the podium and a green bokeh background.

Prism Awards

Widely regarded as the most prestigious honors in photonics, Wednesday evening’s ceremony celebrates the world’s leading companies. Contact innovation@spie.org for more information.
Wednesday | 3 February 2027